5-Minute Health Tip: Relieve Headaches with a Temple Massage

There are two types of headaches: a vascular headache is caused by the swelling and constricting of blood vessels, while a tension headache is caused by…you guessed it—muscle tension, usually on both sides of the head. Thankfully, a temple massage can help relieve both types of headache pain in under 5 minutes!

How to Give Yourself a Temple Massage

No matter the massage type—foot, body, or head—it’s important to drink water before, during, and after the massage. Staying hydrated keeps you from succumbing to lethargy and sore, achy muscles. Water washes away the toxins released by the massage!

Place your thumbs right beneath the tip of your brows at the bridge of your nose. Squeeze the bridge of the nose by pressing your thumbs firmly together for about 10 seconds. Release and repeat a few times.

Flip your thumbs so that they sit underneath your brow bone and on your upper lids. Apply pressure with your thumbs for 10 seconds. Release and repeat three to five times. Then, massage underneath your brow bone and around your eyes in a circular motion for about one minute.

Move your hands to your temples (the cushy spot between the corner of your eye and ear). Apply pressure with your three middle fingers for about 10 seconds. Repeat two to three times. Then, move your fingers slowly along your hairline, massaging your scalp and forehead along the way. Enjoy for as long as you’d like.

Essential Oils for Headaches

Enhance your temple massage with some aromatherapy. Essential oils of white flower, peppermint, or spearmint are high in menthol, which is noted for its pain-relieving properties. You could also rub some tiger balm, which is also high in menthol, on your temples. Spearmint and peppermint are stimulating oils and best used during the day.

If you’re looking for some evening relaxation swap the menthol for some lavender oil, which has a natural sedative effect. If you suffer from sinus headaches, try eucalyptus oil, which is a potent anti-inflammatory.